The evolving technology of the cochlear implant has provided profoundly deaf children with increased access to classroom content and as a result expanded their academic potential. Colleges and universities provide a range of options available and offer opportunities for higher education that was previously reserved for a small group. However, the process of getting into college represents only the beginning stages of this attainable goal. Maintaining a good academic record that eventually culminates in degree completion requires skill both educationally and organizationally for any young person. The selection of a course that matches student interest and capabilities becomes a more crucial step for deaf young people. For this reason, advising and understanding the demands of each course require consideration and discussion early in the college registration process and is crucially important for deaf young people. In the United States, the National Study of Student Engagement (NSSE) can provide the college student (and parents) with insights into the different aspects of college life that contribute to success. This paper reviews some of the findings that might impact on deaf student performance as they consider their higher-education programme.